The exclusion of Shubman Gill from India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 has sparked considerable debate, especially given the inclusion of Suryakumar Yadav, who has been struggling with his form. Amidst the discussions, 2007 T20 World Cup winner Robin Uthappa has made a bold claim, suggesting that Gill was dropped because Yadav, the designated T20I captain, is not scoring runs.

India announced their squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on December 20, 2025, with Suryakumar Yadav set to lead the team in his first major ICC tournament as captain. Axar Patel was named as his deputy. The most notable exclusion was Shubman Gill, who had served as the T20I vice-captain for the Asia Cup. Gill's recent performances in T20Is have been lackluster since his return to the setup in September, with just 291 runs at an average of 24.25.

Uthappa, speaking on his YouTube channel, addressed the conundrum surrounding Gill's omission and Yadav's inclusion. He stated that World Cup squads can only afford to carry one player who is not in great form. When asked directly if Gill was dropped because Suryakumar Yadav wasn't making runs, Uthappa responded affirmatively.

Uthappa elaborated on his perspective, noting that Yadav is "out of runs" but not necessarily out of form, a distinction that might be difficult for those who haven't played cricket at a high level to understand. He contrasted this with Gill, who Uthappa believes looks confused at the crease, indicating a lack of form. Uthappa observed that Gill seems troubled and is getting good deliveries.

Mohammed Kaif, another former India cricketer, offered a different viewpoint, emphasizing that Suryakumar Yadav has a proven track record as a match-winner in T20Is, a status Gill has yet to achieve. Kaif referenced Virat Kohli's example, stating that Kohli was backed during his lean patch because of his established reputation. He argued that Yadav has earned a similar level of trust. Kaif stated that Yadav's sustained impact in the format warranted continued faith, something Gill has yet to reach. He added that a dip in form from Suryakumar should lead to closer assessment, not a dismissal from the team, especially given his T20 pedigree.

The debate highlights the complexities of team selection, balancing current form with past performance and leadership considerations. While Gill's recent T20I form has been questioned, Yadav's inclusion despite his struggles underscores the value placed on his captaincy and prior achievements in the format.

Besides Gill, Jitesh Sharma, who participated in the recent T20Is against South Africa, was also left out of the squad. The squad includes a mix of experienced players and promising talents, with Ishan Kishan returning as a backup opener and wicket-keeper after a strong domestic T20 tournament. India will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7, aiming to secure a record third title.